Bequests

A bequest is an easy, practical way to make a meaningful contribution to the Massachusetts Historical Society without affecting your current finances. Through a bequest in your will or a provision in your living trust, you may name the Society as a beneficiary of a specific dollar amount or piece of property, a percentage of your estate, or part or all of what remains of the estate after other bequests are carried out.

An example of some simple bequest language is:

“I hereby bequeath [the sum of _______dollars ($) or ___ percent (%) of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate], to the Massachusetts Historical Society, a Massachusetts non-profit corporation, for its general purposes.”

You may use this language if you intend to designate your bequest to the Society’s general purposes. A bequest of this kind offers the most flexibility and will allow the MHS to use your gift where it is most needed. We suggest that you contact the Development department at 617-646-0543 if you wish to support a specific department or program through your bequest.

If you would like to discuss a possible bequest of research materials, such as manuscipt letters or diaries, to the collections, we urge you to contact the Director of Collections Services. Please contact the Curator of Art about donating art or artifacts.